BRUSSELS, Belgium, July 11, 2017-- European venture capital fundraising last year hit €6.4 billion — the highest level since 2007 — according to a report launched today by Invest Europe.

Nearly 10% of this capital was from North American institutional investors, as Europe’s growing economies, thriving investment ecosystem and the unprecedented rise of its tech industry make it an attractive investment destination, reveals the association’s new publication, The Acceleration Point: Why Now is the Time for European Venture Capital.

“Global investors are recognising that European venture capital offers a rich A to Z of investment opportunities: trailblazing tech innovation born in cities from Amsterdam to Zurich,” said Nenad Marovac, Invest Europe Vice-Chair and Founder, Managing Partner of VC firm DN Capital. “Anyone who has ever played Angry Birds or searched for flights via Skyscanner is benefiting from Europe’s highly talented entrepreneurs — not to mention the fintech and life sciences start-ups leading the way in their sectors. Backed by Europe’s experienced VC fund managers, these companies can rival the best in the world for returns to investors.”

Europe represents the world’s largest single market, with GDP growth of 1.8% at the end of last year according to the European Commission. All economies are seeing growth, boosted by the corporate sector, increasing investments and job creation. Invest Europe’s data shows VC fund sizes are rising, with 13 funds raising in excess of €100 million last year. This is set to be boosted further this year thanks to a new €400 million European Union-backed fund-of-funds to facilitate more investment from large institutional investors.

Of the €4.3 billion total venture capital investment in Europe last year, fund managers invested 44% into companies specialising in information and communications technology. The second highest amount, 27%, went to biotech and healthcare. Businesses in this sector have a strong track record in Europe, such as Switzerland’s Actelion and Denmark's Genab with their marketed cardiovascular and cancer products. The remaining capital was invested into companies focused on energy, financial services, consumer products and business services, according to Invest Europe data.

“With lower company valuations in Europe than in the US and Asia, European venture funds are expected to attract increasing capital over the next five to ten years, so now is the time for global investors to harness the best opportunities on offer,” said Marovac.

To download a free copy of The Acceleration Point report, visit Invest Europe’s website at www.investeurope.eu.

About Invest Europe

Invest Europe is the association representing Europe’s private equity, venture capital and infrastructure sectors, as well as their investors.

Our members take a long-term approach to investing in privately held companies, from start-ups to established firms. They inject not only capital but dynamism, innovation and expertise. This commitment helps deliver strong and sustainable growth, resulting in healthy returns for Europe’s leading pension funds and insurers, to the benefit of the millions of European citizens who depend on them.

Invest Europe aims to make a constructive contribution to policy affecting private capital investment in Europe. We provide information to the public on our members’ role in the economy. Our research provides the most authoritative source of data on trends and developments in our industry.

Invest Europe is the guardian of the industry’s professional standards, demanding accountability, good governance and transparency from our members.

Invest Europe is a non-profit organisation with 25 employees in Brussels, Belgium.